(AV) a measurement of past oxidation and reflects how oil has been handled and stored versus peroxide value (PV), which measures current oxidation. For both AV and PV, a lower number is better. TOTOX is used to describe total oxidation to which oil has been exposed. PV x 2 + AV = TOTOX

Blood Lipids

Any fatty substance found in the blood, including HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6 ω-3) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 22-carbon chain and six double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. DHA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires DHA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of DHA.

Dioxins

industrial by-product pollutants. Dioxins are also created when chlorinated materials like plastics are burned. Dioxins cause skin diseases, birth defects, miscarriages, and cancer.

Docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6 ω-3) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 22-carbon chain and six double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. DHA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires DHA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of DHA.

EFAs

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that are required in the human diet. EFAs must be obtained through food because humans do not have the enzymes necessary to produce them internally.

Eicosapentaenoic acid

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA 20:5 ω-3) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain and five double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. EPA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires EPA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of EPA.

EPA

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA 20:5 ω-3) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain and five double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. EPA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires EPA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of EPA.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that are required in the human diet. EFAs must be obtained through food because humans do not have the enzymes necessary to produce them internally.

GLA

(Gamma-linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid in the omega-6 family. GLA, found in borage oil and evening primrose oil, is the building block of another beneficial eicosanoid that helps support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. Adequate amounts of GLA are not made by the body and must be consumed through the diet or supplementation.

Glucose

A monosaccharide (or simple sugar) obtained from the diet that serves as the main source of energy for the body

Homeostasis

A state of dynamic equilibrium within a living organism. Multiple interrelated regulation mechanisms work in concert to maintain a stable and constant internal environment.

Insulin

An anabolic hormone, secreted by the pancreas, that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and effects fat metabolism and storage. Proper insulin function is essential for proper uptake and utilization of blood glucose. Individuals in whom insulin does not function optimally may be insulin resistant.

Lead

highly toxic metallic element.

Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fat

A fatty acid that contains 14 or more carbons in its chain and at least two double bonds. They are found in all cell membranes throughout the body.

Mercury

highly toxic metallic element.

Omega-3

Omega-3s (ω-3) are a family of unsaturated fatty acids which have in common a carbon–carbon double bond in the n-3 position; the third bond from the end of the fatty acid. Omega-3s fatty acids are considered essential because the human body requires them but is unable to make sufficient quantities. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained through the diet or supplementation.

Overfishing

Fishing with a sufficiently high intensity to reduce the breeding stock levels to such an extent that they will no longer support a sufficient quantity of fish for sport or commercial harvest.

PCBs

chemical compounds used as lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and plasticizers. The manufacture and use of PCBs has been restricted since the 1970s because they are very harmful to the environment and stay in the food chain for many years.

Saturated Fat

A fatty acid that does not contain any double bonds or other functional groups along its carbon chain. The carbon chain is fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

Triglycerides

The major molecular form of fat. A triglyceride molecule consists of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached. Triglycerides come from food and cannot be produced in the body.

Unsaturated Fat

A fatty acid containing one or more double bonds in its carbon-hydrogen chain. A fat molecule is monounsaturated if it contains one double bond, and polyunsaturated if it contains more than one double bond.